Curriculum Overview
Common Core Learning Standards
Learning standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each grade. Over the next few years, New York State and over 40 other states will be transitioning to a new set of standards called the Common Core. The Common Core standards describe the skills and knowledge our students need to succeed in a rapidly changing world, including the ability to think creatively, solve real-world problems, make effective arguments and engage in debates. As PS 110 aligns its curriculum to meet the expectations of the new standards, students will be asked to do significantly more writing and read increasingly complex texts, with an emphasis on non-fiction. In mathematics, students will take more time to understand concepts deeply, make connections between topics, and master complex ideas through hands-on learning.
The Common Core standards provide an opportunity to develop students’ critical thinking skills and challenge them to become life-long learners.
To learn more about the Common Core standards visit http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/CommonCoreLibrary/ForFamilies/default.htm or http://corestandards.org/
Science
PS 110's science program is a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to science. Students are actively engaged in the discovery process and are given the opportunity to explore their own predictions and ideas on a wide variety of topics. Through this program students not only gain knowledge about scientific concepts but build their skills as scientists and researchers as well. In addition, students are given the chance to work independently, and in cooperative groups, and to express their ideas in written, oral, and pictorial forms giving students a well-rounded science experience.
The Common Core standards provide an opportunity to develop students’ critical thinking skills and challenge them to become life-long learners.
To learn more about the Common Core standards visit http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/CommonCoreLibrary/ForFamilies/default.htm or http://corestandards.org/
Science
PS 110's science program is a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to science. Students are actively engaged in the discovery process and are given the opportunity to explore their own predictions and ideas on a wide variety of topics. Through this program students not only gain knowledge about scientific concepts but build their skills as scientists and researchers as well. In addition, students are given the chance to work independently, and in cooperative groups, and to express their ideas in written, oral, and pictorial forms giving students a well-rounded science experience.
Mathematics
PS 110 uses a mathematics curriculum called Everyday Mathematic (EDM). EDM meets the standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. Year-to-year, students build on the content "strands"— patterns, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics, and probability— which begin in Kindergarten as simple building blocks for the more complicated content in upper grades. EDM also works to balance skill building such as computing numbers quickly, or fluency in reciting multiplication tables, with investigative skills like looking for patterns in numbers or proving mathematical formulas. EDM allows for individual, partner and small group activities and provides multiple exposures to concepts and skills with frequent opportunities for review and practice. EDM also requires that students can explain their mathematical thinking to adults and their peers.
All classrooms at PS 110 are also using Contexts for Learning Mathematics. The series uses carefully crafted math situations to foster a deep conceptual understanding of essential mathematical ideas, strategies, and models. Building on the ideals of a math workshop, each unit provides a two-week (or longer) sequence of investigations, minilessons, games, and other contexts for learning.The series is aligned with the new Common Core standards.
PS 110 uses a mathematics curriculum called Everyday Mathematic (EDM). EDM meets the standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. Year-to-year, students build on the content "strands"— patterns, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics, and probability— which begin in Kindergarten as simple building blocks for the more complicated content in upper grades. EDM also works to balance skill building such as computing numbers quickly, or fluency in reciting multiplication tables, with investigative skills like looking for patterns in numbers or proving mathematical formulas. EDM allows for individual, partner and small group activities and provides multiple exposures to concepts and skills with frequent opportunities for review and practice. EDM also requires that students can explain their mathematical thinking to adults and their peers.
All classrooms at PS 110 are also using Contexts for Learning Mathematics. The series uses carefully crafted math situations to foster a deep conceptual understanding of essential mathematical ideas, strategies, and models. Building on the ideals of a math workshop, each unit provides a two-week (or longer) sequence of investigations, minilessons, games, and other contexts for learning.The series is aligned with the new Common Core standards.
Computers
Our state-of-the-art computer lab is equipped with the latest computers, equipment and technology software. We believe that computer technology is a valuable tool to enhance teaching and learning. Our students use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, communicate and present information. The children learn and practice various skills such as keyboarding, desktop publishing, creating multimedia projects, digital photography and videography, painting and illustrating, web authoring, creating spreadsheets and databases, graphing and charting, graphic designing, internet researching, and basic programming.
New York City's Special Education Reform
Beginning in September 2012, students entering kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade will be able to attend the same schools they would attend if they were not recommended for special education. This can mean that students with disabilities will have access to their zoned school or to a school of their choice just like students without disabilities. All schools are expected to meet the needs of a majority of their students with disabilities.
School teams will work to develop services and supports that minimize the impact of a student’s disability and maximize the opportunities that each student has to participate in general education. This means that a student might have different special education services during different parts of the day. For example, if a student needs more support in reading, she might work directly with a special education teacher to develop her reading skills but might be in a general education class for math. This type of programming of services and supports would be accurately reflected in the student’s individualized education program (IEP).
If you have questions about the way students with disabilities are being taught at PS 110, please contact our parent coordinator or principal. To learn more visit http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/SpecialEducation/default.htm
School teams will work to develop services and supports that minimize the impact of a student’s disability and maximize the opportunities that each student has to participate in general education. This means that a student might have different special education services during different parts of the day. For example, if a student needs more support in reading, she might work directly with a special education teacher to develop her reading skills but might be in a general education class for math. This type of programming of services and supports would be accurately reflected in the student’s individualized education program (IEP).
If you have questions about the way students with disabilities are being taught at PS 110, please contact our parent coordinator or principal. To learn more visit http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/SpecialEducation/default.htm